LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A massive house explosion killed an Arkansas family of four and injured two others in Michigan on Dec. 30.
According to officials, the explosion leveled the house, killing Don and Hope Bragg, along with their kids, Kenny and Beth.
Two other family members are being treated at the hospital.
Michigan police said preliminary findings show the cause of the blast was a fuel explosion with no foul play expected.
Members of the Arkansas community are now mourning the loss of the Bragg family, including Michael Blazier, the Dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
"They really were some of the best and brightest people I've known," Blazier said
Don Bragg worked with Blazier at UAM. He described Don Bragg as one of the best science writers he has ever met.
Hope Bragg worked in 4H, helping kids gain a passion for science and nature. Her supervisor, Debbie Nistler, said she always had a contagious smile.
Don and Hope Bragg were accomplished in their respective fields, but loved ones said their most significant pride and joy were their kids, Kenny, Beth and Stephen.
"They were everything a family should aspire to be," Blazier said. "They were brilliant, hardworking, loving and supportive of each other."
Reports said the explosion happened around 4 p.m. and could be heard miles away as debris was spread across the area.
The Bragg family was visiting Hope's father, 72-year-old Richard Pruden, for the holidays and was renovating his house.
Don and Hope Bragg were from Michigan, and Blazier said they were planning to retire there.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello and the 4H hope to honor the Bragg family with memorials and a scholarship.
UAM offers counseling services for those who need it during the difficult time.